Morgan’s Wonderland, located in San Antonio, is a unique amusement park that has been open since 2010. Designed to cater to individuals with disabilities, the park features a variety of rides, playgrounds, and splash pads that are all accessible to everyone. With over 3 million visitors since its inception, Morgan’s Wonderland has become a popular destination for families looking for inclusive entertainment options.
Expanding on their commitment to accessibility, Morgan’s Wonderland is set to open a state-of-the-art hotel near the park in 2026. The new hotel, aptly named Morgan’s Hotel, aims to provide lodging that meets the specific needs of all its guests. Gordon Hartman, the founder of Morgan’s Wonderland, shared details about the upcoming project in a recent interview with the Texas Standard.
Morgan’s Hotel: Setting a New Standard in Accessibility
Gordon Hartman expressed the importance of creating a hotel that goes above and beyond in accommodating individuals with special needs. He emphasized that Morgan’s Hotel will not only look like any other hotel but will also have key components that ensure guests with cognitive delays, physical disabilities, visual impairments, hearing impairments, and other special needs are fully accommodated.
In addition to standard accessible features in the rooms, such as grab bars and lowered countertops, Morgan’s Hotel will go a step further by allowing guests to provide a list of specific needs during the booking process. These personalized accommodations will ensure that every guest’s unique requirements are met, making the hotel an ultra-accommodating option for travelers with disabilities.
When asked about the distribution of accessible rooms in other hotels, Hartman highlighted a concerning statistic. Out of approximately 49,000 hotel rooms in San Antonio, only a fraction are designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. This shortage underscores the importance of creating more inclusive lodging options like Morgan’s Hotel, where every room will be fully accommodating to all guests.
Leading by Example: Inspiring Change in the Hospitality Industry
Hartman’s proactive approach to inclusivity has not gone unnoticed in the hospitality industry. He revealed that major hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, have shown keen interest in implementing similar accessibility standards in their properties. By sharing a comprehensive guide on creating ultra-accessible hotels, Hartman aims to inspire a wave of change across the industry.
The collaboration between Morgan’s Hotel and these established hotel chains signifies a shift towards a more inclusive approach to hospitality. By setting a new standard for accessibility, Morgan’s Hotel hopes to pave the way for other hotels to follow suit and prioritize the needs of all guests, regardless of their abilities.
As construction on Morgan’s Hotel is set to begin in the coming months, Hartman emphasized the importance of community support in bringing this groundbreaking project to fruition. The hotel’s proximity to Morgan’s Wonderland will create a seamless experience for visitors seeking accessible accommodations, further enhancing the park’s mission of inclusivity.
Looking ahead, Hartman hinted at plans to expand the Morgan’s Hotel brand to other locations, with the goal of establishing a network of ultra-accessible hotels across the country. By championing accessibility in the hospitality sector, Morgan’s Hotel is poised to lead a revolution in how hotels cater to guests with special needs.
In conclusion, the launch of Morgan’s Hotel represents a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive and accommodating hospitality industry. By prioritizing the needs of individuals with disabilities and setting a new standard for accessibility, Morgan’s Hotel is poised to revolutionize the way hotels cater to all guests. With the support of major hotel chains and a dedicated community, Morgan’s Hotel is set to redefine the meaning of hospitality for travelers of all abilities.
